Air Fryer Cod
This Air Fryer Cod recipe delivers perfectly golden and tender fish with a satisfyingly crispy exterior in just minutes. It’s a fast, healthy, and easy way to enjoy restaurant-quality cod using minimal oil and simple pantry ingredients. Perfect for anyone looking for a flavorful and low-fat seafood dish with minimal cleanup.
- Author: Elena
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Fish
- 4 to 6 ounces firm, skinless fresh cod fillets
Coating & Seasoning
- Olive oil, for brushing
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Finish
- Fresh lemon juice, for serving
- Prepare the Cod: Pat your cod fillets dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This step ensures the coating sticks well and results in a golden, crispy finish.
- Season and Oil: Lightly brush all sides of the cod fillets with olive oil. Then season evenly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. The oil helps the breadcrumbs adhere and adds flavor.
- Coat with Panko: Press each seasoned fillet into a shallow dish filled with panko breadcrumbs, making sure each fillet is generously coated on all sides for maximum crispiness.
- Preheat and Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes. Arrange the breaded fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overlapping. Air fry for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking, until the cod is golden brown and flakes easily with a fork.
- Serve with Fresh Lemon: Transfer the cooked fillets to a serving plate and finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to add brightness. Serve immediately while the coating is still crisp.
Notes
- Always pat cod dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy crust.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; leave space around each fillet for even air circulation and crispiness.
- Flip the cod halfway through cooking for even browning on both sides.
- Adjust cooking time if fillets are thicker or thinner; thicker fillets may need a couple of extra minutes.
- For extra crunch, lightly spritz olive oil on the coated fillets before air frying.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet (about 5 ounces)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
Keywords: air fryer cod, crispy cod, air fryer fish, healthy fish recipe, quick cod recipe